The Underwater Centre Fremantle (TUCF) recently conducted a training
program aimed at adding to the skill base of Australian Pearl Divers,
enabling them to enter a new career path quickly and inexpensively.
In accordance with the requirements of the Australian Diver Accreditation
Scheme's (ADAS), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures, TUCF
was able to condense what is normally an eight week training programme
down to four weeks. Not only was TUCF able to present experienced
pearl divers with a fast-tracked avenue to commercial diving qualifications,
they also gained savings on their training costs of around AUD$3,000.00!.
To assess the suitability of candidates for RPL assessment and training,
TUCF examines the diver's experiences across a broad range of criteria,
particularly based on the number, time and depth of dives he or she
has undertaken. It is generally the more experienced pearl diver,
having had exposure to both farm and drift diving (for wild shell)
utilising surface supplied equipment, that is best suited for this
type of course. These skills and knowledge may enable the diver to
be accepted for RPL for both ADAS Part 1
(Occupational Scuba Diving to 30 metres) and ADAS
Part 2 (Air Diving to 30 metres).
Recreational divemasters and instructors are normally accepted as
RPL students for ADAS Part 1 training. These professional divers are
exempted from either one or two weeks training on a Part 1 course,
depending on what level of experience is held upon application. However,
as it is uncommon for recreational dive professionals to have had
exposure to surface supplied diving they are then required to complete
the full four weeks of training of ADAS Part 2.
During the most recent RPL course, TUCF tailored the training programme
to enlighten the divers to the ways of the commercial construction
diving industry, as laid down as gospel in Australian Standards AS/NZS2299:1.1999.
As TUCF Course Administrator Kaye Grubb stated after the course, "Our
pearling boys had their basic skills brushed and polished and were
provided with training in the safe and effective use of a broad range
of subsurface tools. Some of the instruction covered areas well known
to pearl divers and a large portion was new. A couple of the guys
were even schooled in the wearing of basic personal protective equipment
like boots!!!! Yes, some ground breaking took place here!"
There were some grimaces, as the fine points of mobilising and de-mobilising
a commercial diving outfit were driven home each day, but overall
the divers were enthusiastic and soaked up the preparation to take
on the commercial diving world. TUCF was able to expose the trainees
to a wide range of equipment that perhaps they had not had the opportunity
to become familiar with before.
The Pearl Diver ADAS Part 1 & 2 Pearl
Diver's RPL training programme was such a success that TUCF has
planned another for the end of 2003. Tentative dates have been allocated,
however TUCF would be happy to amend these in consultation with interested
parties so as to accommodate the pearling industries work schedules.
The Underwater Centre Fremantle is pleased to be able to provide the
opportunity for experienced divers to gain internationally recognised
ADAS qualifications in a quick and relatively inexpensive way.
For more information contact:
TUCF
8 Rous Head Road, North Fremantle, WA 6159, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9336 3343
FAX: +61 8 9336 3345
Email: milly@tucf.com.au
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